A pendulum swings, water flows, the air particles around us move. You may not know it, but these are all examples of dynamical systems – mathematical processes of change which surround us in everyday life. But what happens when you take these patterns and translate them into sound? Nonclassical Associate Composer Simon Knighton explores this question with a curated programme of music and sound art inspired by the intersection of nature, maths and sound.

A violinist, a cellist, a saxophonist and a percussionist are stationed around the space with speakers interspersed around them. Audience members are invited to move around freely to experience the concert as a three-dimensional “sound sculpture”: a term Knighton has coined to describe his innovative approach to electroacoustic sound design. The programme brings together pieces specifically inspired by dynamical systems with more abstract poetic responses and sound installations. Music by Rolf Wallin, Emily Howard and Kaija Saariaho is presented alongside premieres of two new works by Chihiro Ono and Knighton himself. Throughout the night, the performance is accompanied by a physical sound installation created by Sam Longbottom and Tanguy Pocquet which conjures drones using turntables, fishing wire and old beaten up string instruments.

Artificial Intelligence also plays a role in this performance, with Chihiro Ono’s new commission created using the AI facilities at RNCM Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music. Ono has used PRiSM's technology to reproduce recordings of folkloric songs and texts, which she will manipulate and incorporate into her live performance. The resulting electroacoustic work draws connections between Dynamical Systems and everyday life, taking inspiration from concepts such as apples falling from a tree or the motion of a spinning top. The field recordings and texts Chihiro has submitted to the AI machine are from the remote Japanese island of Shodo-shima, collected by researcher Kawai Kazurou Sensei and never heard before outside of the island.

Nonclassical Associate Composer Simon Knighton is a composer and sound artist whose work investigates the interplay of acoustic instruments and electronic music. He works closely with musicians to create music which incorporates his unique approach to composition and sound, blurring the boundaries between concert, installation, ritual and theatre. Simon has been working alongside mathematician Professor Lasse Rempe on a series of compositions taking inspiration from Lasse’s research into Dynamical Systems.

Tickets

£12 advance | £8 concessions* | £15 on the door

*Concessions include students with valid NUS card, Universal Credit, PIP and the over 60s. If you need a concession ticket but don't meet the above criteria, please drop us a line at sophie@nonclassical.co.uk

ACCESSIBILITY

For information about the venue’s accessibility or for any access queries and/or requirements, please email sophie@nonclassical.co.uk. Free access companion tickets are available as an add-on.

REFUND POLICY

If you are no longer able to attend we will accept refunds requested up to 48 hours before the performance. If you find you’re unable to attend within 48 hours of the performance (for example: due to a positive coronavirus test), please contact sophie@nonclassical.co.uk and we will happily exchange your ticket for another Nonclassical event of your choice (subject to ticket prices and availability).

Pendulum image taken from “The Farmer’s Companion”, published in 1881. Photograph by Fiona Brehony.

Nonclassical is grateful for the support of Royal Northern College of Music Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music, Margaret Engering Fund and PRS for Music Foundation and the Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust.

Nonclassical is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner supported by PPL and in association with Youth Music UK.